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Beach in Cesenatico (symbol photo)
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MAX CAVALLARI / EPA-EFE / Shutterstock
The customs police of Sardinia last year imposed fines of up to 3000 euros on tourists who wanted to take sand or shells with them.
According to CNN, 41 travelers were affected.
The Italian authority declared more than 100 kilograms of sand, stones and shells on the beaches of Sardinia to be confiscated last year.
Dozens of tourists were fined for taking the prohibited materials as souvenirs.
According to the police, the objects were returned to nature.
Since 2017, a law has been in force in Sardinia that makes taking such memorabilia with you a crime.
Sand is a good that should be available to the public.
But precisely because it is so beautifully fine and white in many places in Sardinia, tourists seem to like to use it again and again to transport it home.
Therefore, sand thieves have to pay heavy fines in Sardinia.
According to CNN, they range from 500 to 3000 euros, depending on the amount and quality of the loot.
Global problem
In extreme cases, prison sentences can even be imposed.
Nevertheless, it is a recurring problem: Last year, for example, a French tourist allegedly smuggled sand in a plastic bottle out of the country - he had to pay a fine of 1000 euros.
The police, according to their own account, carry out regular checks at the island's airport and on various websites where the sand is sold.
Sand theft is a global problem.
Stealing is not only happening in the Mediterranean and because people are looking for a souvenir.
Construction companies also need sand - as a raw material.
mjm